Bread Maker - worth it?

sandy2_2

Lilith1980 wrote: »

So what else do I need to buy as well as the bread mix? Do I need yeast etc?

If you're buying bread mix you don't need extra yeast
I hadn't made loaf for a few weeks (Dr said I had to stay away from carbs) but this afternoon I open a pkt of mix (Lidl's) to make OH a loaf for the weekend and lo and behold....extra protein in the packet....ie small grubs (don't tell OH but I sifted them out) so I would suggest that if you're going to buy several packets at a time you invest in some Tupperware style containers, to keep the packets in. following advice on another thread I had kept the pkt mix in the freezer for a few days when I bought it, but had to take it out as I needed the space. The remaining pkts are back in there now for a few days, they I'll sift them as well.

jackie_w

Hi There,

I bought my first bread maker in January, and couldnt be without it now. I love it so much that today, I actually went and bought another.
For me, my breadmaker is probably the most valuable to me in the kitchen (after the kettle of course;) ).

Jackie xx

DianneB

recovering_spendaholic wrote: »

I thought I would try and make some bread in my kenwood this afternoon just to see how labour intensive it is and I have to say it was really easy!1 I made the dough using the dough hook and left it to rise in the same bowl in which it was mixed while I went out to Tescos and when I came back it was beautifully risen. I then re-kneaded it with the dough hook for a few mins and turned it out and hand shaped it before leaving to rise in the 2lb bread tin. It is in the oven and the moment!! It wasn't hard to do but there was about 30 minutes hanging around whilst I waited for the Kenwood to do the kneading but I have to say it wasn't any hassle. Now it just depends on what the cooked loaf is like - have to say that it rose beautifully both times. I used Tescos own bread flour and Hovis fastbake yeast - reckon it cost about 45p to make the loaf. (500g flour, 1 sachet yeast and 1oz marg).

Goodness! you kneaded it with the Kenwood for 30 mins? I do 5 mins max and it's lovely!!

JC-P

I've seen a bread maker and am in 2 minds whether to buy it!
They seem really bulky and what if I can't make bread and its a waste of money.

How many of you have breadmakers and think its worth it?

Penelope_Penguin

Hi there :beer: I have a breadmaker, and love it. I also make bread by hand

I'lladd your question to the existing thread on this subject, so that you can browse other opinions

Penny. x

BigMog

Hi, my first post here, so apologies if it's in the wrong place or anything

After hovering around here for a few months, I was inspired to buy a bread maker and can honestly say it's one of my best purchases so far.

I bought my machine about 2 weeks ago and it's been used at least once a day since then. I love it!

fallen121

I took delivery of my Panasonic 255 two days ago. I saved up Amazon vouchers I got from doing surveys and also took my last 2 Greasypalm payments in Amazon vouchers so I could buy this and a few toys for my daughter for Christmas.

So far I've made a white loaf, a half and half white/wholemeal and I'm currently making a white loaf with oat bran and oat flakes. The Panasonic is a gem and really easy to clean. So far I've made all the usual beginners mistakes, using too much yeast/water and ending up with a slightly doughy loaf with lots of air holes - but nothing inedible and each loaf has been better than the last.

My sister has been making bread for years and her advice to me was to set the breadmaker in the evening to bake a loaf ready in time for bed, take it out, go to bed whilst it cools and enjoy it in the morning whilst it's still fresh. This avoid the situation of trying to resist a still warm loaf which won't slice very well and the long cooling period also lets all the steam escape so it's less doughy.

belfastgirl23

fallen121 wrote: »

I took delivery of my Panasonic 255 two days ago. I saved up Amazon vouchers I got from doing surveys and also took my last 2 Greasypalm payments in Amazon vouchers so I could buy this and a few toys for my daughter for Christmas.

So far I've made a white loaf, a half and half white/wholemeal and I'm currently making a white loaf with oat bran and oat flakes. The Panasonic is a gem and really easy to clean. So far I've made all the usual beginners mistakes, using too much yeast/water and ending up with a slightly doughy loaf with lots of air holes - but nothing inedible and each loaf has been better than the last.

My sister has been making bread for years and her advice to me was to set the breadmaker in the evening to bake a loaf ready in time for bed, take it out, go to bed whilst it cools and enjoy it in the morning whilst it's still fresh. This avoid the situation of trying to resist a still warm loaf which won't slice very well and the long cooling period also lets all the steam escape so it's less doughy.

This is all very well but I know I would whack off a big lump of bread before going to bed and wake in the middle of the night with indigestion v impressed by your sister's willpower

hush72

In the long run, does it work out cheaper to make home made bread rather than buying it?

Please give me your opinions as I'm considering buying a bread maker but am unsure of the cost effectiveness of it.

Thanks

otterspasm

MUCH MUCH cheaper!

I buy my bread flour from Asda or Lidl where it is 48p a bag for white flour. I get 3 large loaves out of one bag. If I add on a few pence for a tablespoon of sugar, a little salt and an ounce of butter I would say each loaf costs 20p for lovely fresh homemade bread. It has no additives and makes the house smell fab. Given that bread is between 98p and £1.80 a loaf approx I would say you would recoup the outlay for the breadmaker pretty quickly.

Even if you bought brown bread flour or organic you would still make a good saving.

HTH
Tess